MuscleSuprahyoid muscles
Digastric
Latin: M. digastricus
Location: Neck
View the digastric in 3DOrigin
Anterior belly: digastric fossa of the mandible. Posterior belly: mastoid notch.
Insertion
Intermediate tendon slung from the hyoid body via a fibrous loop.
Action
Elevates and steadies the hyoid in swallowing; depresses the mandible to open the mouth.
Nerve supply
Anterior belly: mylohyoid nerve (V3). Posterior belly: facial nerve (CN VII).
Blood supply
Facial and occipital arteries.
Clinical relevance
Its posterior belly is a key surgical landmark: the facial nerve trunk exits just deep and superior to it, and the hypoglossal nerve and external carotid artery run beneath it; its two bellies and the mandible bound the submandibular triangle.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.